If one genuinely disagrees with Palin's point of view or policies then fine. No one is under any obligation to cast a ballot for her should she seek public office again. But why bring her spouse and children into it? Because the more this is done towards Sarah Palin the more this will solidify her existing support.According to a Pew Research poll released June 24, Sarah Palin's favorability ratings have increased by 6 points among independents and 7 points with Democrats since November. She is steadily improving her standing with the two demographic groups that were most problematic for her in the 2008 election.
Such behavior will also draw people to her who might not otherwise agree with everything she says or does. These people will be drawn to her side because they a) are not satisfied with the progress of the Obama Administration b) want something more from Obama supporters than rumor, innuendo and unfair personal attacks and c) like just enough of what Palin has to say to give her a chance.
This final reason is why Sarah Palin is a force with whom to be reckoned.
We believe that Goldstein's point is well taken. Voters among these two groups who previously opposed Palin based on first impressions are growing weary of the vicious attacks on her character and her family, and many of them are giving her a second look. The politics of personal destruction has a very short half-life. We could never convince the more radical elements of the Left that they are driving voters toward Palin, but then why should we even try?
- JP
